USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > City Officers and the Annual Reports to the City Council of Newburyport 1907 > Part 12
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This movement is not confined to Massachusetts, nor to any one State. It is national in its scope.
Recently the National Society for the Promotion of In- dustrial Education appointed thirty-four state committees composed of specialists in this line to look after the inter- ests of industrial education in their respective states.
The aim of these committees will be to study the con- ditions of training in the trades in the several states, arouse public interest in it, and work for such legislation as seems desirable in support of industrial schools.
Secretary Morse, in a recent address before the local teachers' association proved conclusively that many of the European countries are far ahead of us along these lines.
He also showed that if this people as a nation wished to retain even its present commanding position in the indus- trial world, it must follow the lead of those countries which give hearty support to this type of school.
What is true of this nation as a whole is true of any por- tion of it where industrial occupations exist. If these schools are desirable and advisable for the United States, then they are for Massachusetts, because Massachusetts is literally a hive of industry. If they would be advantageous to Massa- chusetts as a whole, then they would be to Newburyport, be- cause here are Massachusetts' distinctively representative in- dustries. A geography before me, speaking of Massachu-
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22
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
setts, says,: "Here are mills for making cotton and woolen cloth, shops for boots and shoes, and factories for all kinds of jewelry, clocks, cutlery and other articles."
A glance at this list will show how large a part of this in- dustrial life of the State is represented in this city.
Newburyport could not exist today without its factories and mills. Take them away and it would soon be practically depopulated. The palmy days of the early part of the nine- teenth century, when its merchant marine was its pride and glory, as well as its source of life and profit, have gone from Newburyport never to return. The city in the future must depend on its industrial activities for its life. In so far as these are brought toward a condition of highest efficiency will they be able to compete with other communities.
The survival of the fittest is nowhere better illustrated than in the business world. Our plain duty then is to make our schools so far as possible contribute toward increasing the efficiency and skill of the next generation of workers in our factories and workshops. This we cannot do by fol- lowing lines and methods which have been history for halt a century. We must branch out and adopt the new methods which other communities are adopting or we will fall hope- lessly into the background.
The solution of this problem, for Newburyport, ought to be easy. There is a fund of nearly half a million dollars, in- creasing every year which a great-hearted and far-seeing man, a native of this city, left years ago-for what purpose ? -to benefit boys of his native city. A careful study of the will convinces one that if the donor of this fund were with us today he would be the first to say that an industrial school would aid the boys of this city more than any other type.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
There can be no doubt that Mr. Wheelwright had in mind a school similar to the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology. But it was the Institute of Technology of his own times which was then called the School of Industrial Science, not that of today.
The industrial or trade school of today would closely re- semble the scientific school of half a century ago. What the author of this fund undoubtedly intended by his gift was to offer boys of this city the opportunity of securing a thorough- ly practical education. With this interpretation of the gift in mind, can anyone doubt the wisdom of using it, or at least a portion of it, to establish such a school?
Recent developments of these schools have been along lines which relate particularly to the industries of the commu- nities where the schools are located. That is why in Lowell there is today the Textile School.
Such a school in this city should apply to the making.of shoes, of cotton cloth, silverware, hewn goods and mechani- cal appliances.
Less than half of the income of the Wheelwright Fund was used last year by the trustees. Not one member of the class of 1907 of our High School wished to make use of this fund as now administered. If the proper authority were giv- en and the consent of the trustees could be obtained to do it, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars of this fund might be used to establish an industrial school here, and the fund still be large enough to do all it is now doing in furnishing a higher scientific and technical education for its beneficiaries.
The great advantage of such a school is shown by a re- cent investigation of facts along these lines. The boy who has had the benefits of industrial training forges far ahead
24
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
of the one who has not, by the time young manhood is reached.
The boy with training starts to work at ten dollars per week, while his untrained brother must start at three dollars, and is only receiving twelve dollars a week at the age of twenty-five. At this age the former is receiving twice that sum. Such a school, if started, would soon pay for itself in the increased earning capacity of those who became its grad- uates.
From such conversations as your Superintendent has had with trustees of the Wheelwright Fund, it does not seem probable that they would long adhere to their present policy as opposed to a united public sentiment in favor of such edu- cational advantages as have been suggested.
THE EVENING SCHOOL.
The growing popularity of evening schools has been manifest in our own community. A year ago we opened the evening school with an attendance of over forty pupils. This number was considerably in excess of the number at the op- ening in previous years. It was supported in its attendance so well that it was continued for sixty-seven nights, or more than twice the number required by law. This number was instructed by the Principal, Irving H. Johnson, and four as- sistants as follows: Eva J. Smith, Frances W. Richards, M. Alice George and Josie W. Kimball.
This year the school has been so large that twelve teach- ers have been necessary and the entire upper floor of the Kelley building has been used. Teachers without excep- tion have been those of long experience in day schools and many of them of much experience in evening school work.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Most of the pupils are of foreign birth, and many of them are adults. They are chiefly anxious to learn the Eng- lish language, and the chief work of the night school is to teach them to read and write. To do this every sort of ma- terial has to be employed; writing on the blackboard, hand bills, posters, newspapers as well as books are utilized. Many of the pupils are very eager and ambitious to learn. In spite of the fact that they are engaged in hard toil all day, and of- ten for long hours, they are for the most part constant in their attendance and faithful in their work.
MEDICAL INSPECTION.
According to the instructions sent out by the State Board of Education last spring, the eyes and ears of all the pupils in the schools have been examined, and the results of the examination have been sent to the proper State authorities.
The results of this examination, interesting and in some cases startling, are as follows :
Whole number examined
2,053
Having defective vision
419
Having defective hearing 127
Number of parents notified 378
Per cent. of defective eyes
20
The relative standing of the schools in the test for vis- ion is as follows :
Parents Per Cent.
School
Examined Eyes Ears Notified Defective Rank
Davenport
I32
12
I
13
9
I
Jackman
390
54
18
68
12
2
Storey Avenue
23
3
6
9
I3
3
Ward Room
38
5
5
8
I3
4
Curtis
I27
19
2
7
15
5
Training
I82
30
9
12
16
6
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Purchase Street
35
6
0
6
17
7
High
322
64
16
36
20
8
Temple Street
IOI
21
5
24
20
9
Currier
149
33
12
33
22
10
Moultonville
60
14
10
10
23
II
Kelley
217
56
30
50
25
12
Johnson
122
35
5
32
28
13
Bromfield Street
155
67
8
70
43
14
-
Summaries
.2,053
419
127
378
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SCHOOL PHYSICIAN.
There can be no doubt of the wisdom of the law which compels every city and town in the state to appoint one or more school physicians. Many of the former interruptions to school work arising from contagious diseases will be avoided.
Many doubtless will be surprised to learn that during the last year there were thirty-eight cases of diphtheria, and twenty-eight of scarlet fever, either among pupils of the schools or in the same families with them. In spite of this somewhat large number of cases there has been no epidemic, and the schools have not been closed on account of contagion half a dozen times. The thus far gratuitous services of the school physician and the excellent work of the Board of Health are largely responsible for the good record which the schools have made.
It is gratifying to be able to state that the Committee have been able to close the year with a small balance, fifty- four dollars anl sixty-nine cents to their credit.
No bills have been held over in order to make this result possible. All money due for tuition, however, has been col- lected. Had this not been done we would have had a small overdraft.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The reports of the Principal of the High School, the Principal of the Evening School, the Principal of the Train- ing School, the Supervisor of Music, of Drawing, and of Do- mestic Science, together with statistics which will be more easily understood in the printed form, are appended to this report and will be submitted to the printer at the proper time for publication.
Although to do so, expressions which are somewhat hackneyed must be used, I nevertheless wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Committee for its cordial and hearty support during the year that has just closed. Neither can I forget the spirit of helpfulness and loyal co- operation which has been manifested toward me by the teach- ers.
Respectfully submitted, EDGAR L. WILLARD, Superintendent of Schools. December 30, 1907.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL.
Mr. Edgar L. Willard, Supt. of Schools, Newburyport, Mass.
Dear Sir :- That our High School continues its strong- hold upon the educational interest of the City is evidenced by the steady and rapid increase in its enrolment. Already this growth has produced a condition demanding immediate at- tention. The enrolment this year has reached a total of three hundred and sixty-four. The capacity of the building is only three hundred and twenty-seven. A large number had thus to be accommodated with temporary desks. This was accomplished by using the Drawing room as a regular class room. The condition next year is almost certain to be worse and steps should be taken to provide for this large excess of pupils over seating capacity.
A few figures relative to the growth of the school may be of interest. In 1889 the number of city pupils enrolled in the High School was one hundred and twenty-three; the number this year is three hundred and one. During this period the population of the city has remained practically the same. The average enrolment of the past ten years shows an incease of thirty-seven per cent. over the aver- age for the preceding period of ten years. The enrolment has increased from one hundred and ninety-seven in 1899 to three hundred and one this year, a gain of fifty-two per cent.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The number of pupils in the Putnam School is limited to sixty-five. The actual enrolment is somewhat less than this. Thus it will be seen that the growth of the school is due entirely to the increased numbers of city pupils.
ENROLMENT AND ATTENDANCE FOR PAST SIX YEARS.
1902
1903 1904
I905
1906
1907
Total Enrolment
259
289
268
299
319 323
Average Membership
.242
256
240.8 270.7 293
299.7
Average Attendance
231.3 243
228.7 256.7 277
285
Per Cent. of Attendance
96
95 94.9 94.8 94.8 95.I
Enrolment for first three months of present year
364
Average membership for first three months of present year
359
346,I Average attendance for first three months of present year
Per cent. of attendance for first three months of present year .. 96.4
A public High School has to do with varied degrees of capacity. The public rightfully has claims upon its privi- leges proportionate to the creditable purpose and honest ef- fort of those who would become pupils therein. The teach- ers must consider this fact and demand from the pupil only what he is able to do giving full credit for honest effort. This demands close personal touch with the individual pupil which is possible with reasonably small classes only. This close personal touch is most imperative with first year pupils. The change from the Grammar to the High School is so great in subject matter taught, method, and greater responsibility for self directed effort, that many pupils are likely to fail unless encouraged by the personal interest of the teacher. This de- mands time and opportunity for the teacher to study the in- dividual pupil. It is a matter of great regret to me that I have been compelled to make the section of the first year class so large. Divisions of thirty-five or more are too large
30
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
for that personal instruction so necessary at this critical pe- riod in school life. Should the large entering classes of the past two or three years continue, it will make necessary the appointment of an additional teacher in the near future. The appointment of Miss Chase as assistant in the Commercial department has brought relief to that department and added greatly to its efficiency. Means for reducing the size of the sections in the other departments now demand considera- tion.
This year several changes in the teaching corps were made necessary. In June, Miss Norris resigned to accept a position in the Malden High. Mr. Fisher went to the new School of Commerce in Boston, while Mr. Peabody went to Harvard to continue his studies. Miss May also severed her connection with the school at the close of the school year. Miss Ethel Sullivan, a graduate of Wellesley, and Miss Mar- jorie Noyes, a graduate of Holyoke were elected to take charge of the English department. Miss Laura Sherman, a graduate of Brown University was elected as teacher of Lat · in, and Miss Mabel Hayes, a graduate of New Hampshire State college to take charge of the Commercial depart- ment. At the beginning of the school year, Miss Annie M. Chase, a graduate of our school and a practical stenographer, was elected assistant in the Commercial department. All these teachers have entered upon their studies in a thorough- ly satisfactory manner.
There is an increased interest in music this year. We have a chorus of two hundred voices. In addition to this work, Miss Adams has organized a Glee Club. The Club meets one afternoon each week and is preparing some spec- ial work for use later in the year. Last year under the di-
31
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
rection of Miss Adams, the Chorus assisted by soloists gave the Cantata "The Building of the Ship." The work of the chorus was so creditable that the director of the Choral Un- ion, at the suggestion of Mr. Mollenhauer, invited the cho- rus to sing at the concert given by the Boston Festival Or- chestra in April. Mr. Mollenhauer repeats his invitation to sing at the coming Festival Concert and has already selected a work for the chorus to sing. Such recognition as this means much to our school and is helping to create an appre- ciation for that which is noblest and best in music.
Last year arrangements were made with the College Entrance Examination Board to hold examinations in our building. The examinations were in the immediate charge of Rev. A. W. Cleaves. Fifteen of our pupils took these examinations. Next June this number will be greatly in- creased. This arrangement has a double advantage to our school. First the pupils feel more at home and the work of the examination seems more like a regular school exercise. The pupils are therefore more likely to do full justice to themselves. Second, the teachers can give their full atten- tion to preparing all their pupils for the same examination. When one considers the varying characteristics of the in- dividual college papers, this advantage becomes very real. The Board examinations while thorough and searching, are designed to give ample opportunity to the pupil to show his knowledge and power to handle the subject.
On April 26th occurred the second annual contest in prize speaking for the Paul A. Merrill prizes. The judges at the final contest were Rev. James D. Dingwell of Ames- bury, Joseph N. Ashton of Salem, and L. A. Williams,
32
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Principal of Groveland High School. The prizes were award- ed as follows :
Boys-First, ten dollars to Sam Sargent; second, five dollars to Peter Dugan. Girls-First, ten dollars to Mar- garet Atwood; second, five dollars to Bernice Pike.
On June 25th a class of forty-four completed their four years' course in the school. Of this number six returned this year to take their fifth year in preparation for College, and will receive their appropriate diploma next year. The School Board conferred twenty-seven diplomas, and the Putnam Trustees ten.
The Toppan prize was awarded to Mary Ellen Cole. The committee of award consisted of Dr. Randolph C. Hurd, and Mr. Edward H. Little. The prize was awarded for the best written examination in civil government.
At the opening of school in September, one hundred and thirty-five pupils were admitted to the entering class. Of this number one hundred and fourteen are city pupils, while twenty-one come from adjoining towns.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER E. ANDREWS, Prin.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
GRADUATES, CLASS 1907.
HIGH.
Classical Course.
Dorothea Castelhun
Mary Elizabeth Chesterman
Angelica Marshall Gamboa Malcolm Gale Rollins Esther Jane Woods General Course.
Patrick Joseph Callahan
Alice Mary Cashman
Marion Caldwell Foster
Eleanor Mae Donahue
Frederick William Huse
Nora Frances Huntington
Henry Adams Johnson
Rudolph Jacoby, Jr.
William James Jordan, Jr.
Mary Adams Jones
Mildred Lovejoy
Mary Maxim Philbrick
Ruth Margaret Moodie
Annie Maud Ryan
Ada Wilson Simpson
Ethel Milner Stevens
Rachel Frances Campbell
Frances Louise West
Commercial Course.
Beatrice Pike Barton
Forence Anderson Cate
Bertha Beatley Fogg
Katherine Marie Kenney
Arthur Stephen Quill
Lottie Frances Young
Carl Clinton Emery
Fannie Stickney Goodwin
Vallentine Agnes Picard
John Henry Shea
PUTNAM. General Course.
John Burns Mary Ellen Cole
Arthur Sanford Hodgdon
Susan Elizabeth Knapp
Maude Moulton Perkins
Gladys Mary Robinson Alice Stevens Taylor
Winona Priscilla Frothingham
Katherine Campbell Langlands Ethel Randall Pritchard
Commercial Course. Beatrice Eleanor Carlisle
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
GRADUATION EXERCISES CLASS OF 1907.
PROGRAM.
MARCH
Marion Langlands Gould.
PRAYER
Rev. H. C. Hovey, D. D.
MUSIC-"While You Sleep" Hadley
"June" Schnecker
School Chorus.
SALUTATORY (in Latin) AND ESSAY-A Norse Legend -Showing the Temperament of the People Dorothea Castelhun.
ESSAY-"The Discovery of America by the Norse in the
Year 1000"
Ethel Milner Stevens.
PROPHECY
Angelica Marshall Gamboa.
SOLOS-"Mattinata" . Tosti
"Serenade Du Passant" Massanet
"Autumn Sadness" Nevin
Frances Louise West.
ESSAY-"European Impulse that Led to Settlement in the
New World in XVI Century"
Esther Jane Woods.
ESSAY-"The Settlement of Jamestown in 1607"
Rachael Frances Campbell.
ESSAY-"A Legend of the Middle Ages Used by a Musician" Mildred Lovejoy.
MUSIC-Pilgrims' Chorus from "Tannhauser" Wagner School Chorus.
ESSAY-"A Legend of the Middle Ages Used by a Drama- tist," with Valedictory
Mary Elizabeth Chesterman.
AWARD OF TOPPAN PRIZE-Committee of Award, Dr.
Randolph C. Hurd, Edward H. Little.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
PRESENTATION OF DIPLOMAS
Edgar L. Willard, Superintendent of Schools.
CLASS ODE . Music, "Fair Harvard"
Words by Susan Elizabeth Knapp.
We are halting awhile on the pathway of life,
To join in a song ere we part.
And to linger with memory awhile o'er the days That are held dear to every heart.
No more shall we mingle with schoolmates and friends Or teachers, that back in the past
Have taught us the lessons we ne'er can forget,
No matter how long life shall last.
O! how quickly those happy school days have sped by, It seems but a day to us all,
Since we crossed o'er the threshold with others who sought, For knowledge in Fair Learning's Hall. And now has the time come for us to depart, As others before us have done And solve those vast problems in Time's daily test, Ere the course of our Life shall be run.
So goodbye to our books, for our lessons are o'er, They are past like a fast fleeting dream. And the future we'll meet, with these words true and sweet, "To be rather than to seem." That motto forever our watchword will be To cheer us and help on the way. For sorrow must come, together with joy, As we journey along day by day.
BENEDICTION.
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SCHOOL COMMITTEE
AWARD OF HONORS.
Dorothea Castelhun Mary Elizabeth Chesterman Rachael Frances Campbell
For a pupil to be graduated with honor his general average for each year must be A. In one subject his work may be B provided it is 85 or better.
SPECIAL HONORS.
Bertha Beatley Fogg, Vallentine Marie Picard, bookkeeping; Angelica Marshall Gamboa, Ruth Margaret Moodie, French; Ethel Milner Stevens, German.
Honors in special studies will be given to pupils whose yearly marks in the particular studies are A's, provided the maximum amount of time allotted these studies in the course pursued by the pupil is taken.
37
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
P
TRAINING SCHOOL.
The work at the Training School for the past year has been very similar to that of previous years.
The young ladies studying, observing and teaching ; the children working under their direction, and the supervision of the principal.
The two subjects of dramatizing and paper cutting have been introduced. The former is found to be an excellent medium to teach correct language forms; the latter trains both eye and the hand.
Music has been given to the pupil teachers under the direction of the special music teacher. This will, it is hoped, greatly add to their efficiency.
Two hundred forty-nine different children and seventeen pupil teachers have been connected with the school the past year.
The senior class consists of :
Annie Lorette Doyle Newburyport
Elizabeth May Davis
Beulah Evans 66
Caroline Gray Bradbury 66
The middle class has three members :
Rosalie Eggers Chase Newburyport
Isabelle Andrews Menut Dunstable®
Susan Frances George
Amesbury
Clara Mannaghan, a member of this class, was allowed in November to resign as she wished to sever her connection with the school.
38
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
The junior class has four members :
Anna Maud Ryan Newburyport 66
Frances Louise West
Alberta Catherine Remick
Amesbury
Ruth Lydia Worthen
66
Nine young ladies have been graduated the past year.
FRANCES W. RICHARDS.
39
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
EVENING SCHOOL.
ADVERTISING.
It was thought that many of the young men and women who had been obliged to leave school quite early in life, did not know that the Evening School was a place where they could resume their education and advance as fast as possi- ble in those studies from which they had been deprived. For this reason the advertising was carried on along different lines than usual. Besides the regular announcements in the daily papers, large posters, explaining the work of the ev- ening school, were displayed in prominent places.
BEGINNING.
This method was so successful that the school opened with a large attendance. A larger number than usual who wished to take up advance work, and a large number over twenty-one years of age, who wanted to start at the very beginning of school work.
STUDIES.
Classes were formed for all who came. These classes included all the work of the primary school, most of the work of the grammar school, including Language, History, and Single Entry Book-keeping, and a class in Algebra for some who wished to take more advanced work.
40
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
ATTENDANCE.
The attendaace was good from the start, and continued so through the entire course. And when one considers that most of the pupils are men and women, who have had to work for nearly ten hours a day in a hot and noisy factory, he will appreciate how keenly alive they are to their oppor- tunities to be willing to give up three night a week to get what the Evening School has to give them.
There is one case which created special interest. A man who was at work for the railroad, attended every session but two. One night it was noticed that his work was going un- usually hard, and it was found that he had been clearing the tracks of snow all day Sunday, all Sunday night, and all day Monday, and rather than be absent from school, had come although he could hardly keep awake. How many of us would do it?
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